Clifton R. Largess Jr.

Clifton R. Largess Jr., 90, of Hamilton Gate Court, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2011, at his home. He was the beloved husband of Mary R. (Curran) Largess.

Born in Worcester, Mass., he was a son of the late Clifton R. and Winifred K. (Warnke) Largess.

Capt. Largess received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of the Holy Cross in 1942. He completed General Line School in Newport in 1949 and graduated from the Naval War College in 1955. In 1964 he received a master’s degree in international relations from George Washington University.

A 31-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Capt. Largess served in World War II, Korea and as joint chief of staff during the Vietnam era. He was one of the original pilots that went to war in the Pacifi c. He was awarded five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star and seven Air Medals.

After his retirement from the Navy, he was the commanding offi cer of the Navy program at the University of Rochester for four years and stayed on as a member of the faculty and interim athletic director.

He was a member of the Jamestown Rotary Club, Fleet Reserve Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Military Order of Foreign Wars. He volunteered as a tax aide for the American Association of Retired Persons and was on the Board of Assessment Review. He also served as a delegate for the Constitutional Convention.

He was a communicant of St. Mark Church and was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus.

Besides his wife, he leaves four sons, Clifton R. Largess III, Mark W. Largess, Matthew C. Largess and Stephen L. Largess; two daughters, Mary C. Lee and Catherine M. Woodward; a brother, Donald Largess; a sister, Jean Largess; and 11 grandchildren. He was the father of the late John J. and Daniel P. Largess, and the brother of the late Kenneth and Robert Largess.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Hope Rural School, 15929 SW 150th St., Indiantown, Fla 34956.